On Monday, February 4, 2013, the Florida Senate Select Committee on the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), chaired by Senator Joe Negron (R-Stuart), will hold a joint committee meeting with the House of Representatives Select Committee on PPACA, chaired by Representative Richard Corcoran (R-Trinity) to discuss Florida’s options regarding health care exchanges. The meeting will be located in the Knott Building’s Pat Thomas Committee Room.

“The choice to remain in the default federal exchange, build a state exchange, or pursue a partnership exchange is one of the most important policy options facing the state of the Florida as the federal government implements PPACA,” said Chair Negron. “Monday’s meeting will provide the opportunity to hear from Brian Webb, a national expert who will provide the most recent information on the health care exchange component of PPACA.”

During the meeting held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Committees will hear an overview of health care exchanges and state options from Brian Webb of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. As well, Florida Health Choices Chief Executive Officer Rose Naff and Florida Healthy Kids Corporation Executive Director Rich Robleto will outline current Florida insurance marketplaces.

“Learning more about the Florida Healthy Kids and Florida Health Choices marketplaces will help our Senators determine if these programs could be viable options for the creation of a state exchange,” said Chair Negron. “The comments from these experts as well as a dialogue with a panel of representatives from the insurance industry, including both insurers and agents, should give us a better picture of the options available as we make this critical policy decision that will impact the health care of millions of Floridians.”

Following the presentations, the committees will have a panel discussion on health insurance exchanges. The meeting will conclude with the opportunity for public testimony.